A primary school in regional Victoria has been recognized for developing one of Australia’s most innovative kitchen gardens after rebounding from severe heatwave damage earlier this year. Springhurst Primary School, with a student population of just seven, received the “Showcasing STEM” award at the 2026 National Kitchen Garden awards, which celebrate kitchen gardens in schools and early childhood centres nationwide.
The award, presented by the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, acknowledges the real-world application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in problem-solving within school gardens. Springhurst students adapted to the challenges posed by extreme summer heat by constructing heat-resilient growing structures using repurposed materials, such as fallen branches to support broad bean plants. They also conducted experiments on water efficiency and installed a water-wicking system to sustain their herb garden.
Teacher Aasta Dearnaley highlighted how natural garden challenges, including failed crop germination or plant instability, foster student curiosity and experimentation. “The award isn’t just about having a beautiful garden; it recognizes the thinking and learning that happens with our students,” Dearnaley said.
Other schools across Australia were honored in various categories during this year’s awards, which drew a record 600 entries. In Western Australia’s wheatbelt, Wongan Hills District High School took home the “Beyond the Gate” award for community engagement. With 199 students, the school has seen declining parental participation over time, but the garden has re-engaged families. According to teacher and garden coordinator Lorraine Lobo, parents now regularly assist with cooking lessons and infrastructure projects in the garden. For students, time spent in the garden is used as a reward for good behaviour, providing a liberating environment that encourages learning and creativity. The students have also created and sold products like lavender balms and quandong jams at local markets.
In New South Wales, Aldavilla Public School won the “Recipe of the Imagination” award for inventive cooking. The school’s kitchen, housed in a converted railway carriage and surrounded by diverse garden produce, prominently features warrigal greens—a native vegetable that replaced spinach vulnerable to pests. The greens are used in various dishes, including pastas and pizzas, sparking enthusiasm among students for trying new foods, according to kitchen garden specialist Craig Stelmack.
Established in 2024, the National Kitchen Garden awards are judged by a panel including chefs Stephanie Alexander, Kylie Kwong, Darren Robertson, and gardening expert Connie Cao. Each winning school receives a prize package consisting of a $1,000 grant, membership to the kitchen garden education program, and gardening tools and equipment.
The grant will enable Springhurst Primary to invest in additional water-wicking systems to better withstand future heatwaves. Aldavilla Public School plans to create a new garden bed, an outdoor classroom, and a native beehive, while Wongan Hills aims to strengthen community participation and involve nearby families in maintaining the garden during school holidays.
This year’s winners also included schools recognized for integrating First Nations knowledge, sustainable practices, creative garden design, student leadership, and enhancing wellbeing. The awards continue to highlight the educational, environmental, and community benefits of kitchen gardens across Australia.